In a bid to reform the aviation sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of several federal government-owned airports in Nigeria. The decision was revealed in a memo issued by the Federal Ministry of Aviation on June 1, 2023, signed by Director of Airport Operations, Joke Olatunji.
The airports that have been renamed are as follows:
1. Akure Airport is now Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu Airport.
2. Benin Airport has been renamed Oba Akenzua II Airport, in honor of the late Oba of Benin.
3. Dutse Airport has been renamed Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi Airport.
4. Ebonyi Airport is now Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo Airport, in memory of the late Senate President.
5. Gombe Airport has been renamed Brigadier Zakari Maimalari Airport.
6. Ibadan Airport is now Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, after the late Premier of the old Western Region.
7. Ilorin Airport has been renamed Gen. Tunde Idiagbon Airport.
8. Kaduna Airport is now Hassan Usman Katsina Airport.
9. Maiduguri Airport has been renamed Gen. Mumammadu Buhari Airport, honoring former president Muhammadu Buhari.
10. Makurdi Airport is now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka Airport.
11. Minna Airport has been renamed Mallam Abubakar Imam Airport.
12. Nassarawa Airport is now Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio Airport, in memory of the late founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.
13. Osubi Airport has been renamed Alfred Diete Spiff Airport.
14. Port Harcourt Airport is now Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo Airport, honoring the late statesman.
15. Yola Airport has been renamed Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Airport.
These name changes are expected to bring a renewed sense of pride and remembrance to the airports, as they now bear the names of individuals who have played influential roles in Nigeria's history and development.
The renaming of the airports underscores President Tinubu's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of these prominent Nigerians. It is also seen as a step toward preserving their legacies and ensuring that their names continue to inspire future generations.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and relevant authorities are working diligently to implement the necessary changes across the airports, including updating signage, documents, and official records. These efforts will ensure a seamless transition to the new names.
As Nigeria moves forward with these airport name changes, it is expected that they will serve as a reminder of the nation's rich history and the remarkable individuals who have shaped its course.
